Trump travel ban makes political waves

Labor has urged the prime minister to stand up to Donald Trump and condemn the decision to ban refugees from seven countries.

The call comes as Foreign Minister Julie Bishop seeks an exemption from the Trump administration's new immigration policy for Australians who also hold citizenship in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen or Somalia.

Labor leader Bill Shorten says while the US should be allowed to make its own decisions, there were some issues where Australia could not remain silent.

He says Mr Trump's ban on people from the seven countries is appalling and ought to be scrapped as soon as possible.

There are also fears it could impact on business and academic travellers.

Ms Bishop says she's directed officials in Washington to work with the US government to ensure Australians get as good a deal on the right to enter and travel in the US as citizens other countries such as Canada and the UK.

There have been reports of medical patients, students and business people being prevented from boarding aircraft back to the United States because of their birth country.